Police: Mother, teens try to defraud store

December 31, 2012

A local mother, her teen daughter and an unidentified teenage friend allegedly teamed up to pull off a return fraud scheme, police say.

Marcella Carol Saltsman, 19, of 1400 High St., has been charged with theft, receiving stolen property and theft by false impression.

Tammy Linn Beamer, of 610 McMinn Ave., has been charged with two counts of retail theft, receiving stolen property and corruption of minors.

On Sept. 11, Montoursville police were called to Wal-Mart at 1015 N. Loyalsock Ave. in Montoursville where they met with Loss Prevention Officer Stephanie Ebner, who explained that she had witnessed Beamer enter the women's clothing area.

Beamer than exited the store less than five minutes later. According to reports, although she had not purchased anything, her large purse was "bulging."

Beamer walked to her car, where Saltsman and the unidentified minor were waiting. The two teenagers allegedly went inside the store and exchanged the stolen items for a gift card worth about $120, police reported.

Police were able to identify the three based on surveillance footage and interviews, according to court records.

Beamer and Saltsman both waived their arraignments before District Judge Gary Whiteman on Dec. 24 and have been released on $2,500 bail each.